Floating comb plate



Jan. l, 1963 c. c. MOORE l-:TAL

FLOATING COMB PLATE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Filed Jan. 9. 1959 INVENToRs. 6 @o0/e q Jan. l; 1963 c. c. MOORE ETAL 3,071,234

FLOATING coMB PLATE Filed Jan. 9. 1959 3 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 (f2 3); f3@ 6v INVENTORS,

Jan. 1, 1963 3,071,234

CI.v C. MOORE ETAL FLOATING COMB PLATE 3 Sheets-Sheet I5 Filed Jan. 9, 1959 v. 342 a /V/ f /f Y W /36 on M4 JNVENToRs.

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Patented dan. l, i963 3,071,234 FLGA'IlNG COMB PLATE Chester C. Moore, Aurora, and Robert 0. Schaeier, Elgin, lll., assignors to Stephens-Adamson Mfg. Co., a corporation oi- Illinois Filed lian. 9, 1959, Ser. No. 785,982 16 Claims. (Cl. 198--16) Our invention relates to a lloating or self-aligning comb plate for moving sidewalks, escalators and the like, and more particularly, to a comb plate and grooved conveyor construction which insures that the comb plate will always be properly aligned with the groo es of the conveyor.

Comb plates for escalators and the like are conventionally fixedly mounted at the ends of the conveyor. However, the conveyor frequently develops a sidewise shifting movement during its operation which tends to draw the grooves of the conveyor out of alignment with the comb plate projections with consequent damage to the conveyor.

A principal object of our invention is to provide a comb plate that floats sidewise with the conveyor so that the comb plate projections are always properly aligned with the conveyor grooves.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved passenger transportation apparatus of the moving sidewalk type employing a floating comb plate structure cooperating wit'n an endless conveyor belt having a grooved load supporting surface.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mounting arrangement for comb plates that permits same to shift sidewise with the conveyor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a floating or self-aligning comb plate that is economical of manufacture, eiiicient in use, and readily adapted for use in a wide variety of conveyor installations.

Other objects, uses, and advantages will be obvious or become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the application drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a side elevational view, partially in section, of one embodiment of our invention applied to an end of an endless belt conveyor having, in accordance with our invention, a grooved load supporting surface;

FIGURE 2 is a plan View of the device shown in FIG- URE l, parts being broken away;

FlGURE 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmental cross-sectional View along line zi-4l of FlGURE 2;

FIGURES 5 and 6 are side elevational views of the segments forming a part of the embodiment of our invention shown in FIGURES l-4; and

FIGURES 7-10 illustrates moditied forms of the invention, FIGURE 7 being a view similar to that of FIG- URE 2 and FGURES 840 being vertical sectional views taken transversely of the conveyor.

Reference `numeral :lil in FIGURES l and 2 generally indicates a comb plate arranged in accordance with the principles of our invention and applied between an endless belt conveyor l2 and a stationary passenger platform l-i. For purposes of our invention, the belt l2 may run in either direction so that platform ld could either be a passenger take-olf platform or a passenger landing platform.

Generally speaking, the comb plate l@ of FlGURES l-6 generally comprises a comb plate member i6 formed with projections i8 that extend into gooves 2d ot the conveyor belt load supporting surface Cl.. ln accordance with the principles of our invention, the comb plate member t6 is mounted tor side-wise movement with respect to the conveyor l2 and in the embodiment of FIGURES l-6 is provided with guide arms 22 that engage the edges i of the belt whereby sidewise movement of the belt is transmitted to the comb plate member. The comb plate is thus a oating or self-aligning comb plate.

The conveyor 12 is only diagrammatically illustrated, but that illustrated is intended to represent a conventional form of endless conveyor which, in accordance with our invention, is provided with a grooved load supporting surface. The grooves 20 should be ordinarily equidistantly spaced across the Width of the belt (grooves 20 should be spaced apart a distance on the order of 1/4 inch), and the respective grooves 2d ordinarily should have a substantially quadrilateral (slightly trapezoidal in the preferred embodiment) cross-sectional configuration. Though a belt conveyor is illustrated, it is to be understood that the floating comb plate of our invention is equally applicable to escalators which conventionally may be formed with grooved load supporting surfaces.

The comb plate member 16 in its illustrated form is made up of a plurality of alternating relatively large segments fill and relatively small segments 32. The segments 39 and 32 may be formed from metal or rubber, or any other suitable material, as may be necessary or desirable under the circumstances.

The segments 30 (see FIGURE 5) are each formed with a pointed extension 34 that makes up the projection 13 of the segment, while the segments 32 are formed with relatively blunt extensions 36 that terminate short of extensions 34.

Both the segments 3G and 32 are formed with a pair of circular holes or perforations 3d that receive tubular mounting shafts 4G (see FIGURE 4) formed with screw threaded ends 4l. A sufficient quantity of the segments s and 32 are positioned on the shafts 40 in alternating relationship and then nuts 42 are turned on ends il and against the outer segments to fasten them together on the shafts 4t?.

The shafts iti each receive a stationary sup-port shaft i4- which is fixed at its ends to appropriate stationary supports 46 that may take any desired shape and which are only diagrammatically illustrated. The shafts 44 may be held to the supports 45 as by nuts 4S, or in any other suitable manner.

Each end of each tubular shaft 44B is counterbored as at 50 to receive a hardened bushing 52. interposed between each bushing 52 and the respective shafts 44- is an appropriate form of ball bearing retainer S4 in which a plurality of ball bearings 55 are mounted in any appropriate manner. The ball bearing retainer may be held in position by an appropriate form of retainer, such as that diagrammatically illustrated at 5S. The ball bearings comprise anti-friction means interposed between shafts itl and 44.

The nuts 42 may be formed with recesses all that are adapted to receive an appropriate tool to aid in their application or removal.

The segments 3l) may be grooved as at 62 and the segments 32 are recessed as at 64 to receive the end of bridge plate 66 `that may be fixed to the platform 14 in any suitable manner and spans the gap between the end lof the comb plate l@ and the platform t4. Segment grooves 62 and recesses 64 as well as bridge plate 66 may be eliminated without adversely atfecting the operability of our invention.

Guide arms 22 are secured Ito the sides of the outer segments in any suitable manner (as by welding in the embodiment of FIGURES 1-6) and extend from the comb plate to points adjacent the edges 24 of the conveyor l2. Rollers 7i), rotatably mounted on the respective arms 22 as by pins 72 and positioned over end pulley 3 73 of conveyor 12, actually engage the respective edges 24j.

When the comb plate is assembled and applied to its support in the manner indicated in the drawings, the pointed extensions 34 of segments 3G will project into the grooves 2@ (which preferably are on the order of /lf; inch in width) of the belt conveyor 12, and, where bridge plate 66 is employed, the edge 74 of the bridge plate 66 will be received in notches 62 and recesses 64 of the segments. The conveyor 12 is operated in the usual manner and upon sidewise movement thereof, the comb plate member 16 is moved sidewise a corresponding amount by the sidewise pressure that is applied to a guide arm 22. The comb plate member 16 thus iloats sidewise with the conveyor 12 and the projections 18 are maintained in alignment with the grooves 2i) of the conveyor. Of course, during this movement the comb plate is moving with respect to the bridge plate 66.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the comb plate structure may be applied to either end of the conveyor. The belt conveyor 12 is only one type of conveyor to which the invention may be applied; it is contemplated that the device 10 may be applied with equal facility to escalators and the like. Furthermore, our invention is not limited to passenger transportation apparatus, but may be applied to material handling apparatus as well.

In the embodiment 80 of FIGURE 7, the guide arms 22 have been omitted, the comb plate otherwise being arranged in the same manner as the embodiment of FIG- URES 1-6 (like reference numerals indicating like parts). It has been found that the engagement of the belt with projections 18 effects the floating action described above without requiring any further interengagement between the comb plate and the belt 12.

The embodiment 90 yof FIGURE 8 includes a comb plate 92 formed with projections 18a that extend into grooves of belt 12. Plate 92 is xed in any suitable manner to base 94 that extends transversely of the conveyor 12 and that rides in dovetail groove 96 formed in stationary supporting member 98 (that is mounted adjacent the conveyor in any suitable manner near platform 14). Groove 96 may be provided with a multiplicity of bead welds 100 on which base 94 rides, groove 96 being suitably lubricated with grease or the like to establish a substantially friction-free floating action. Comb plate 92 may overlap bridge plate 66 in this embodiment.

The groove 96 may be open at the ends of member 98 to permit base 94 to be inserted into groove 96 from one of its ends.

The embodiment 110 of FIGURE 9 includes a comb plate 112 that is similar to comb plate 92, it including projections 18a that project into grooves 20 of belt 12 and being suitably fixed to base 114 that extends transversely of belt 12. Base 114 coextensively carries transversely extending plate structure 116 that is engaged by supporting rollers 118 journalled in any suitable manner to spaced transversely extending supports 120 that are coextensive with structure 116. The spaced supports 120, which are secured in place in any suitable manner, may be provided with guide rollers 122 that engage the sides 124 of the plate structure 116 for purposes of guiding the floating action `of the device 1111.

In the embodiment 136` of FIGURE l0, the comb plate structure is in the form of several segments 132 mounted side by side for iioating movement in tandem transversely of the conveyor within xed supporting plate structure 134 that extends transversely of the conveyor. Plate structure 134 may comprise a base plate 136, fixed to stationary cross member 13S in any suitable manner, and including a ridge 141B that is received in groove 142 of the respective comb plate segments. Ball bearings 1416i secured in a suitable retainer (not shown) and riding in grooves 146 may be interposed between the ridge 16E-tl and the comb plate segments 132, segments 132 including projections 1118 that underlie cover plate 156. When a comb plate segment `1352 requires replacement, it may be removed by sliding same laterally of the belt and out of rthe pocket 152 formed by plates 136 and 151i, or by removing plate 159, new segments 132 being applied in a similar manner. Comb plate projections 14S prevent any substantial vertical tilting of the comb plate segments and may be provided with bead welds 154 or suitable bearings to obtain the friotionless iloating action desired.

Segments 132 each include projections 18a that engage grooves 2@ `of belts similar to belt 12. The number of segments 13:2 employed in any installation will depend on the width of the conveyor belt. Segments 132 oat in tandem laterally of the belt on sidewise movement of the belt.

The embodiments of FIGURES 8-1() all operate in substantially the same manner as the embodiments of FIGURES l-7 and do not require guide arms equivalent to guide arms 22.

Gf course, the embodiments of FIGURES 7-10 may be applied to either end of the conveyor and may be applied to escalators and the like as well as belt conveyors.

One of the important advantages of our invention is that it permits the conveyor to be operated in either direction, where reversibility is desirable, and still have the comb projections properly aligned with the belt grooves without attempting to restrain the sidewise movement of the belt. It is virtually impossible to train and keep a belt so restrained that there will be no sidewise movement, and in any belt there is a certain amount of side warpage which causes an entirely dilerent ride on reversal of operating direction. Attempts to restrain sidewise movement of the belt involve excessive wear on vthe expensive structure making up the belt, which is elimf inated when our invention is employed.

When the comb plate structures are to be removed by displacing them laterally of the conveyor, their supports may be mounted for vertical movement so that pro-l jections 1S or 18a may be elevated above the ridgesformed by grooves 211, or end pulley 73 may be mounted in any suitable manner to lower the belt with' respect to these projections. And, of course, comb plates of the type shown at 92 and 112 of FIGURES 8 and 9 may be removably held in place as by suitable screws, as shown.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our application Serial No. 648,021, filed March 25, 1957 and now abandoned.

The foregoing description and the drawings are given merely to explain and illustrate our invention, and the manner in which it may be performed, and the invention is not to be limited thereto, except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, since those skilled in the art who have our disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. A comb plate for a conveyor beit having a grooved load supporting surface comprising a comb member including projections received in the grooves of the belt and mounted for movement sidewise of the belt, and spaced guide elements secured to the comb member, said guide elements engaging opposite sides of the belt.

2. In a comb plate adapted to be positioned adjacent an end of a conveyor belt having a grooved load supporting surface, the improvement wherein the comb plate is` mounted for movement sidewise of 4the belt, and wherein the comb plate is provided with guide elements engaging the sides of the belt, whereby sidewise movement of the belt is transmitted to the comb plate.

3. A comb plate for endless conveyors having a grooved load supporting surface, comprising a comb member including a plurality of projections formed to be received in the grooves of the endless conveyor, said member being mounted for substantially frictionless movement sidewise of the conveyor, `and guide elementsI extending between the comb member and the edges of the conveyor whereby sidewise movement of the conveyor is transmitted to the comb member.

4. In a comb plate adapted to be vpositioned adjacent an end of the conveyor belt having a grooved load supporting surface, the improvement wherein the comb plate is movably mounted on spaced generally horizontal supports extending transversely of the conveyor belt, and wherein the comb plate is provided with guide elements engaging the sides of the belt, whereby sidewise movement of the belt is transmitted to the comb plate.

5. The improvement set forth in claim 4 wherein antifriction means is interposed between the comb plate and said supports.

6. In a comb plate adapted to be positioned adjacent and end of an endless conveyor having a grooved load supporting surface, the improvement wherein the comb plate is composed of a plurality of vertically disposed segments, wherein alternate segments project into the grooves of the conveyor, said segments being secured together on spaced, transversely extending tubular members, wherein said tubular members are mounted on supports that extend crosswise of the conveyor, said tubular members being mounted for sidewise movement with respect to the conveyor, and wherein the comb plate is provided with guide elements that engage the sides of the conveyor, whereby sidewise movement of the conveyor is transmitted to the comb plate.

7. The improvement set forth in claim 6 wherein antifriction means is interposed between the respective tubular members and said supports.

8. A comb plate support comprising spaced tubular members extending crosswise of the comb plate, iixedly mounted supports received in each tubular member, and anti-friction means interposed between the respective tubular members and fixed supports.

9. A comb plate for cooperation with the grooved surface of an endless conveyor comprising a relatively rigid member composed of a plurality of vertically disposed egments extending longitudinally of the conveyor, a plurality of transversely extending tubular members extending through said segments and disposed crosswise of the conveyor, means for clamping said segments together on said tubular members, stationary support means extending through said tubular members, anti-friction means interposed between said tubular members and the respective stationary support means, and guide arms extending between each side of the comb plate `and the corresponding sides of the conveyor, said guide arms carrying rollers that are in contact with said corresponding sides of the conveyor.

10. `Conveyor apparatus comprising an endless conveyor having a grooved load supporting surface, a stationary platform extending cross-wise of the conveyor, and a floating comb member interposed between the platform and the conveyor, said comb member being mounted for substantially frictionless movement sidewise of the conveyor, and including a plurality of projections received in the respective grooves ofthe endless conveyor,

and guide means extending between said comb member and said endless conveyor, whereby, sidewise movement of the endless conveyor on operation thereof is transmitted to said comb member.

li. The conveyor apparatus set forth in claim 10 wherein a bridge member is interposed between said platform and said comb member, said bridge member being fixed to said piatform and said comb member slidingly engaging said bridge member.

12. In conveyor apparatus comprising an endless conveyor member having a grooved load supporting surface, a stationary platform extending cross-wise or" the conveyor member, and a comb member interposed between the platform and the conveyor member and including a plurality of projections received in grooves of said load supporting surface, the improvement wherein said comb member is mounted for movement sidewise of the conveyor member, whereby said comb member may float laterally with the conveyor member on sidewise movement of the latter.

13. in conveyor apparatus comprising an endless conveyor member having a grooved load supporting surface, the improvement wherein a comb member is positioned adjacent the load supporting surface or" the conveyor member, said comb member including projections that are received in at least some of the grooves of the endless conveyor member, and including means for mounting said comb member for movement sidewise of the conveyor member, whereby said comb member moves sidewise of the conveyor member on sidewise movement of the latter.

v14. The improvement set :forth in claim 13 wherein said comb member comprises a plurality of segments moving in tandem on sid wise movement of the conveyor member.

15. Conveyor apparatus comprising an endless conveyor belt provided with a grooved load supporting surface, and a comb member positioned adjacent the load supporting surface of said conveyor belt and including projections that are received in at least some of the grooves of said endless belt, said comb member being mounted for substantially frictionless movement sidewise of the belt whereby said comb member may float laterally with the belt on sidewise movement or" the latter.

16. A conveyor comprising, an endless belt having a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs forming the load carrying surface, a comb at an end of travel of the conveyor, said comb having teeth intermeshing with said ribs, and means supporting said comb for lateral movement to enable said comb teeth to shift with lateral shifting of said belt.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 956,796 Seeberger Mar. 1, 1910 1,112,836 Reno Oct. 6, 1914 2,535,501 Loughridge Dec. 26, 1950 FORETGN PATENTS 1,120,628 France July l0, 1956 

1. A COMB PLATE FOR A CONVEYOR BELT HAVING A GROOVED LOAD SUPPORTING SURFACE COMPRISING A COMB MEMBER INCLUDING PROJECTIONS RECEIVED IN THE GROOVES OF THE BELT AND MOUNTED FOR MOVEMENT SIDEWISE OF THE BELT, AND SPACED GUIDE ELEMENTS SECURED TO THE COMB MEMBER, SAID GUIDE ELEMENTS ENGAGING OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE BELT. 